Understanding the Difference Between Supportive (Palliative) and Hospice Care with Hospice of the Chesapeake

Wellness House of Annapolis
April 28, 2020

This spring, we had the honor of welcoming Patti McMillan, Director of Medical Practice Management at Hospice of the Chesapeake to discuss the difference between Supportive Care and Hospice Care. A recording of this presentation can be viewed below:

Often recommended at the time a serious illness is first diagnosed, supportive care, also known as palliative care, helps you manage not just your medical condition but physical, emotional, spiritual and practical matters before, during and after treatment. Unfortunately, often those who could benefit the most from this field of medicine are put off because of confusion between palliative and hospice care. This seminar helps to provide clarity on palliative medicine and can help you determine if it is right for you.

Patti shares that Hospice of the Chesapeake (HOC) is a valuable resource for both palliative care and hospice care. Supportive (palliative) care with Chesapeake Supportive Care affirms life amidst conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, or anything that puts a barrier or limitation on one’s life but you still have hope for the future. Hospice care is focused on the dignity of dying for patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the illness runs its usual course. All medical providers at HOC are board certified, and they work in conjunction with your primary care physician.

Symptom management from Chesapeake Supportive Care aims to help provide relief from pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and other side effects that can accompany cancer. The providers at Chesapeake Supportive Care can help you continue to live your life and do the things you like to do. This supportive care can be executed in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, outpatient at the Hussman Supportive Care Center in Pasadena, and in your own home – if you are homebound, they come to your home.

Chesapeake Supportive Care providers can also assist with advanced care planning including explaining the MOLST (Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) form, which is helpful for you and your loved ones to have in case of emergency.

Molst-FAQ-flyer-final

For a full list of helpful resources, click here to visit their website.

Making New Traditions from Old During COVID-19

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One Monday during my afternoon as a House Hostess, I slipped into the kitchen to plug in the electric kettle. Even though I didn’t normally drink hot tea, the idea was appealing on that chilly day. When I looked over the boxes of tea selections, there were plenty of flavors that sounded inviting. Peach, strawberry, or apple spice. Cinnamon, green, black, or herbal. The choice was getting difficult. Then my eyes came to rest on a very captivating option – vanilla caramel. That was it! I tore open the foil pouch which contained an individual tea bag and dunked it up and down into the steaming hot water in my cup. The rich aroma smelled delicious and tasted smooth and yummy. It was delightful to inhale the fragrance as I sipped.

When Covid-19 changed our lives and staying safe at home began in mid-March, my husband Paul and I set out to create ways to organize our time under quarantine. One afternoon he mentioned having a cup of tea, which triggered memories of my vanilla caramel discovery at Wellness House of Annapolis. We didn’t have that flavor on hand, so Country Peach Passion had to do. I ordered a couple of boxes on Amazon and two days later, we were well stocked with vanilla caramel.

That was the start of our tradition of tea time each afternoon, reminding us of the Wellness House. Of course, this new custom includes a little something on the side, like banana bread, cookies, or Paul’s favorite – fig newtons.

We have enjoyed adopting a Wellness House practice and making it our own. If you haven’t already done so, consider meeting up with old and new friends at the virtual Tea Time. It’s happening on Zoom on Thursdays at 2 pm and you’ll feel like you’re sitting and chatting around the living room.

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Lois Villemaire

Lois Villemaire is a dear friend of Wellness House of Annapolis. She came to know our community first as a caregiver for her sister who fought and sadly lost her battle with cancer, then as a caregiver for her husband who is a cancer survivor. She has graciously given her time as a House Hostess since, always glad to help us welcome members old and new into our community. When she is not volunteering at the Wellness House, Lois can be found writing for the Annapolis Discovered blog, discovering new and intriguing books, and critiquing the latest movies with her husband Paul.